Self-driving cars are not just for people— the technology can also move goods. Amazon currently uses automation in its warehouses and is designing a future delivery system with drones to deliver packages, and is a technology company with a significant logistics arm. Waymo has been in talks to create a delivery and logistics effort, while Ford has been testing driverless delivery of pizza with Domino’s and groceries with Postmates.
T. Rowe Price, another new investor in Aurora, is Tesla’s second-largest shareholder after Chief Executive Elon Musk, according to Bloomberg data. “The team at Aurora has unparalleled experience and expertise in solving the challenge of autonomous driving,” said Paul Greene, a portfolio manager for the Baltimore-based investment firm’s communications and technology fund.
This year will mark a public test for some of the early leaders in driverless technology. In addition to Waymo’s attempt push into new cities, GM’s Cruise is fine-tuning safety issues before a planned launch of a driverless ride-hailing service before the year ends.
For Aurora’s Urmson, who has been working on the technology for more than a decade, this isn’t a race: “We’re clear with our investors that this is a long road,” he said, “and at the end of that road is incredible impact on improving safety and mobility.”
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.